Tipped by some as a potential superstar of the pop world, Zara Larsson came to prominence in her native Sweden having won a television talent competition. That was nine years ago, and unlike some who rush to capitalise on exposure, this is her first international release. Next month sees a run of North American shows, before a summer of festivals includes slots at Isle of Wight and Wireless.

Remarkably, five of the tracks from this record have already been lifted as singles - but that's not to say anyone purchasing the album is getting short changed, as there are 15 tracks. The opening 'What They Say' is mellow and mid-tempo, before irresistible summer anthem 'Lush Life' provides the first indication that Larsson's hype has some justification. Along with the sassy 'Ain't My Fault' (on which she proves a competent rapper), the songstress produces the kind of crossover quality that makes fans of other genres take note. They're not quite of the ubiquitous quality of a 'Poker Face' or 'Umbrella', but they're not far off.

Where Larsson also excel is in her choice of collaboration. 'Never Forget You' employs the soulful talent of MNEK for a slick duet, while working with Clean Bandit is currently about as close to guaranteeing a hit as you can get. The result here is the dance floor filling 'Symphony'. This isn't to say she can't hold her own - 'I Would Like' is house-infused, while the anthemic 'Sundown' would arguably work better without the vocals of Wizkid. What holds this back from being a stunning pop album is the slower numbers, but when the energy is lifted, Larsson is undeniably infectious.

The 19-year-old singer has admitted she feels she has to ''speak up'' in the music industry because she believes it's ''easy to feel pushed down'' and oppressed by males, and the blonde beauty is desperate to make her music do the talking and not be judged on her appearance.

Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, she said: ''You really have to speak up - that's why I say what I think. I'm brave enough to say how it is for once.

The 18-year-old powerhouse has revealed she would like nothing more than to collaborate with the raven-haired beauty on a forthcoming single, because she has only ever joined forces with male artists such as MNEK and Tinie Tempah.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz about her dream musical pairing, the blonde beauty said: ''I would love to. I think she is amazing. I love her sound and she is a great person as well.

The 18-year-old singer has admitted she has been working hard on new music for her upcoming LP for the past year and although the star has revealed it was due to be released in February 2016 then in the summer, she has revealed there is now a set release date, and it will be unveiled in 2017.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar magazine about the upcoming compilation, the blonde beauty said: ''It's coming in January. I have been pushing it for literally a year. It was supposed to come out February 2016 and I was like, it's coming out summer, it's coming out after summer, it's coming out in the fall, and then in the winter.''